1. Editor Steven Smith differentiated between a legitimate and a non-legitimate news story because if the Mayor was just gay, then it wouldn't be a big deal. However chatting online with with people that are not of legal age, such as 17-year-old boys, was grounds for a legitmate news story.
2. Morlin justified the use of a concealed identity on Gay.com because he needed absolute certainty that it was Jim West. Morlin said, "there was no way we're going to be able to say without absolute certainty that the target was Jim West unless we go to Gay.com and draw him out." Morlin didn't create an identity himself because his job's code of ethics prohibited him from pretending to be someone he was not. However they were not prevented from hiring consultants.
3. I think The Spokesman-Review published so many articles on Mayor West's alleged improprieties because he was a public figure. West was a town leader, and this was big news for Spokane. New information kept coming out about the allegations, and it only kept confirming that they were true.
4. James West was ultimately hurt when the story was exposed. The Spokesman-Review benefitted from exposing West. Since West had allegedly molested young boys in the 70's, then yes, the outcome was worth it for The Spokesman-Review. I believe exposing West was justified because he was a public figure and because he was pursuing underage boys on the internet.
5. I feel bad for gays, even those in the public eye, because they have no privacy. The media exposes them and makes it a huge deal. I only believe that it is okay to expose them if they are doing illegal activity, or going against what they say/preach. I definetly don't think it's okay to invade anyones privacy or go on a "witch hunt" to expose people, only if there is illegal activity going on.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
In Class Research Exercise
1. According to the FBI, in 2006 Washington State University had six violent crimes reported. This is only two less than the University of Washington which has almost 16,000 more students. In addition, Washington State University had four forcible rapes reported while the University of Washington had only one reported.
2. A total of almost $25,000,000 was contributed to candidates in Washington state in 2006. Christopher J. Marr, democrat senate candidate, received the most money of the 73 candidates with $566,000. Of 191 house candidates, Troy Kelley, democrat, received the most with $306,000. Out of the the top 20 contributors, the House Democratic Campaign Committee of Washington, donated the most money with $1,545,263. Following that, Martin Selig and Washington Education Association were the next top contributors.
-In 2006, republicans received more donations for anti-gun control influence in Washington state. Republicans received $72,000 in donations while Democrats received $15,300 in donations.
-In 2004, Republicans received $0 dollars for donations with women's issues, while Democrats received $3,360 in donations. This is a decrease from the year 2000, $5,392 from Democrats and $250 from Republicans in donations.
3. PATENTS:
Digital Video Recorder
Social Networking
Automobile
2. A total of almost $25,000,000 was contributed to candidates in Washington state in 2006. Christopher J. Marr, democrat senate candidate, received the most money of the 73 candidates with $566,000. Of 191 house candidates, Troy Kelley, democrat, received the most with $306,000. Out of the the top 20 contributors, the House Democratic Campaign Committee of Washington, donated the most money with $1,545,263. Following that, Martin Selig and Washington Education Association were the next top contributors.
-In 2006, republicans received more donations for anti-gun control influence in Washington state. Republicans received $72,000 in donations while Democrats received $15,300 in donations.
-In 2004, Republicans received $0 dollars for donations with women's issues, while Democrats received $3,360 in donations. This is a decrease from the year 2000, $5,392 from Democrats and $250 from Republicans in donations.
3. PATENTS:
Digital Video Recorder
Social Networking
Automobile
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Beast
* Who or what is the "beast"?
The beast is the public. Its viewers, readers, audiences, etc. Everyone that needs the news!
* Why does it need to be fed?
It needs to be fed because people need information. They need to know what's going on, and they need it to be fast, accurate and correct.
* What compromises (if any) might occur in trying to feed the 24-hour news cycle in print, TV and the Internet?
The news needs to be fast. People want information now. They need to know what's going on around their area as well as other areas. This may compromise accuracy. Some journalists may lie or cheat to get news out quickly.
The beast is the public. Its viewers, readers, audiences, etc. Everyone that needs the news!
* Why does it need to be fed?
It needs to be fed because people need information. They need to know what's going on, and they need it to be fast, accurate and correct.
* What compromises (if any) might occur in trying to feed the 24-hour news cycle in print, TV and the Internet?
The news needs to be fast. People want information now. They need to know what's going on around their area as well as other areas. This may compromise accuracy. Some journalists may lie or cheat to get news out quickly.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
"Ace in the Hole"
- As a journalist, you really aren't supposed to interfere with a situation, they are supposed to observe and report. However as a human being, if someone is trapped and you have the ability to help rescue them, you should do whatever you can to help. During any type of tragedy, especially if a journalist is the only one present, they should react to the situation as any other human being would. They should help. Tatum faced many ethical decisions. One being his decision to make a scene out of the tragedy. He could have chosen to approach the rescue differently but he selfishly took his time on helping the man, and a life was lost due to this poor decision. If he could have done it differently, Tatum should have reported the event as it was and left the rescuing up to the professionals. He interfered with the decision on how to rescue the man, and prolonged the process.
- Yes, I do believe the film's depiction of the media represents how some tabloid journalists operate today. Many journalists will in fact accept gifts, trips, "freebies", and many other things when writing a news story. This sways the actual facts and creates a bias. In the movie, Tatum's ego grew, he drank on the job, and told the victims wife to bahave on how he portrayed her to the media, not to mention a lot of other unethical behaviors and actions. I don't have any specific examples of this behavior in the media, however I know it is prevalent. Journalists are humans, and I could see how it could be easy to accept a gift or trip. I have seen ridiculus news stories in the tabloids about aliens and other nonsense. I have also seen pictures of stars, which had probably been photoshopped to show cellulite or other things. It is definitely prevalent.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Hourglass Exercise
There was a protest on campus Friday, and 22 people were arrested. Three university police officers were also injured. The protest was organized by two newly formed campus groups, Students Against Racism and the American Student Organization.
All of the 22 arrested were students. Twenty-one were taken to County Jail. Their attorney, Susan J. Keegan, said that she expected bail to be set at $500 apiece. The 22nd student, a 17-year-old high school senior, was released into his parents’ custody.
More than 200 demonstrators—most of them students—were on campus during the Board of Regents meeting. One of the items on the regents’ agenda was the university’s plan to require a class in cultural diversity for all faculty.
All of those arrested were charged with trespassing on state property after they refused to disperse. Twelve were also charged with resisting arrest. Ten were charged with assault after they allegedly threw rocks and bottles at university police officers.
Officer Andrea Wilson was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with a gash on her forehead. She was the first officer hit, Peterson said. Officer James Nelson and Sgt. Jerico Turner were taken to Community Hospital with bruises they received from thrown items, Peterson added.
“They should not have come at us,” said Jonathan Walterson, president of Students Against Racism. “We would have remained loud, but peaceful. We were doing what we believed in. The university must do more to promote diversity.”
Walterson, a junior journalism student, was one of those arrested. He was charged with assault, resisting arrest and trespassing.
Peterson said the two groups began a rally at noon. The regents had been meeting since 8 a.m. and were on their lunch break in the Student Union from noon to 1:30 p.m. The first item on their afternoon agenda was the class requirement. Currently, students must take a class in diversity, but faculty do not.
“It just got out of hand,” said University Police Chief R. Barclay Peterson. “First they were gathered around the fountain at Central Mall. One group was chanting, ‘No more racism’ and the other was saying ‘Stop diversity.’ Then they started marching toward Regents Hall, where the regents were meeting. They were disrupting classes. When they were asked to disperse, all hell broke loose.”
Peterson said he did not call extra officers in until the protesters started marching. Then, about 60 police officers, two of them on horseback, started toward the demonstrators. Peterson said that his three officers were injured when they were hit by stones or bottles.
By 1:25 p.m., the demonstration was at its worst, Peterson said. That’s when most of the protesters started shouting directly at the police and began throwing things at them, Peterson added.
Officer Wilson was hit in the head about that time, Peterson said. He said that by 1:30 p.m., most of the demonstrators began to back off. Those who did not were arrested, he added.
The regents did not take action on the new requirement. They decided to study the matter more and discuss it again at their next monthly meeting, which will be held May 16 in Regents Hall.
“We will continue protesting until the regents vote to mandate faculty training,” Walterson said. “We’re done negotiating with them. Now it is time to cause trouble.” Walterson said that there will be more rallies, not only at the next regents meeting but before then.
“We’re not against rallies,” Peterson said. “They can hold them all they want, as long as they get a permit from the university. But we don’t want them to get out of hand. We don’t want our officers hurt. They can rally, but other peaceful students also have the right to attend classes without being disrupted by shouting and violent demonstrators.”
The regents refused to comment on why they took no action Friday. “Until we make our decision on faculty training, we will not discuss it,” said regents president Clifford Eisel.
All of the 22 arrested were students. Twenty-one were taken to County Jail. Their attorney, Susan J. Keegan, said that she expected bail to be set at $500 apiece. The 22nd student, a 17-year-old high school senior, was released into his parents’ custody.
More than 200 demonstrators—most of them students—were on campus during the Board of Regents meeting. One of the items on the regents’ agenda was the university’s plan to require a class in cultural diversity for all faculty.
All of those arrested were charged with trespassing on state property after they refused to disperse. Twelve were also charged with resisting arrest. Ten were charged with assault after they allegedly threw rocks and bottles at university police officers.
Officer Andrea Wilson was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with a gash on her forehead. She was the first officer hit, Peterson said. Officer James Nelson and Sgt. Jerico Turner were taken to Community Hospital with bruises they received from thrown items, Peterson added.
“They should not have come at us,” said Jonathan Walterson, president of Students Against Racism. “We would have remained loud, but peaceful. We were doing what we believed in. The university must do more to promote diversity.”
Walterson, a junior journalism student, was one of those arrested. He was charged with assault, resisting arrest and trespassing.
Peterson said the two groups began a rally at noon. The regents had been meeting since 8 a.m. and were on their lunch break in the Student Union from noon to 1:30 p.m. The first item on their afternoon agenda was the class requirement. Currently, students must take a class in diversity, but faculty do not.
“It just got out of hand,” said University Police Chief R. Barclay Peterson. “First they were gathered around the fountain at Central Mall. One group was chanting, ‘No more racism’ and the other was saying ‘Stop diversity.’ Then they started marching toward Regents Hall, where the regents were meeting. They were disrupting classes. When they were asked to disperse, all hell broke loose.”
Peterson said he did not call extra officers in until the protesters started marching. Then, about 60 police officers, two of them on horseback, started toward the demonstrators. Peterson said that his three officers were injured when they were hit by stones or bottles.
By 1:25 p.m., the demonstration was at its worst, Peterson said. That’s when most of the protesters started shouting directly at the police and began throwing things at them, Peterson added.
Officer Wilson was hit in the head about that time, Peterson said. He said that by 1:30 p.m., most of the demonstrators began to back off. Those who did not were arrested, he added.
The regents did not take action on the new requirement. They decided to study the matter more and discuss it again at their next monthly meeting, which will be held May 16 in Regents Hall.
“We will continue protesting until the regents vote to mandate faculty training,” Walterson said. “We’re done negotiating with them. Now it is time to cause trouble.” Walterson said that there will be more rallies, not only at the next regents meeting but before then.
“We’re not against rallies,” Peterson said. “They can hold them all they want, as long as they get a permit from the university. But we don’t want them to get out of hand. We don’t want our officers hurt. They can rally, but other peaceful students also have the right to attend classes without being disrupted by shouting and violent demonstrators.”
The regents refused to comment on why they took no action Friday. “Until we make our decision on faculty training, we will not discuss it,” said regents president Clifford Eisel.
Friday, May 16, 2008
2nd-Day Lead Writing Exercise
Police are still investigating on the report of a missing 4-year-old girl, Angela Melissa Norton, who was not found in her crib when her parents returned home from a movie last night.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Rough Draft Writing Assignment
Summer Brings Overpopulation at the Humane Society
The end of the school year brings large numbers of abandoned animals to the Whitman County Humane Society in Pullman, Washington. Currently the shelter cares for about seven dogs, 17 cats and a newborn litter of kittens with the addition of another litter being brought in later this evening. This may not seem like a lot of animals, but by the end of May into the start of June, the number of animals will most definitely rise. As summer begins, Washington State University students are excited to reach the end of the school year. However, this also is a major stressor to the Whitman County Humane Society, because there is higher volume of neglected animals to take care of.
Something unique about the Whitman County Humane Society is that it is a no-kill shelter. Although there are no accurate national statistics on animal shelters, the American Humane determined that about 9.6 million animals are put to sleep annually. However, having a no-kill facility is important to Teresa M. Asman, the humane society manager in Whitman County. “We choose to be a no-kill shelter because it’s the socially responsible thing to do; it’s just not right to put down animals when you can find so many ways to make them adoptable,” said Asman.
So what are some ways to be responsible if you are a pet owner? One responsibility is to get your pets spayed and neutered; this will help keep the population down as well as contribute to their health. That’s right, “getting the surgery done can help with a lot of behavioral and health issues, it also reduces ‘marking behaviors,” said Yan-Chak Chong, an animal care attendant at the Whitman County Humane Society. Spaying and neutering also decreases a pets risk in specific cancers as well. Another solution to decreasing the number of abandoned pets at WSU, is consider fostering an animal. It’s a way to help the humane society out as well as temporarily care for a pet. Actually adopting an animal can be a long-term commitment and huge responsibility that many students don’t realize. This is why the number of pets increases at the end of the school year, because students don’t have a place to take them when they graduate. The process for fostering an animal is actually quite easy, you fill out an application, get the landlords approval and follow the guidelines that the humane society provides you.
If you choose not to adopt a pet, there are other ways to help the Whitman County Humane Society. The shelter allows for volunteers to come in and help by walking the dogs, playing and grooming, cleaning out cages, feeding and watering, laundry, etc. Most of the volunteers come from Washington State University; however Asman explains that many are not consistent because of sporting events or other activities.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Murrow Legacy
Before attending Washington State University I knew I wanted to persue a major in Communication. After reviewing my choice of schools, I made the decision to come to WSU and one reason was because of the distinguished reputation for their School of Communication. A good portion of the reputation can be credited to Edward R. Murrow. I was excited for this lecture because I wasn't exactly sure about his accomplishments or why he was so popular. Murrow attended Washington State College now known as Washington State University and gradutated in 1930 with a degree in speech.
After this he started working for CBS in London where he was the director. During World War Two, Murrow broadcasted live a German march into the city. He also reported live on rooftops during the Blitz of 1940 in Britain. During the war he reported to the nation every night with his popular and well known phrase "This is London". Among many of his accomplishments, he is a symbol for broadcast journalism. His deep voice was/is well recognized among many people.
After this he started working for CBS in London where he was the director. During World War Two, Murrow broadcasted live a German march into the city. He also reported live on rooftops during the Blitz of 1940 in Britain. During the war he reported to the nation every night with his popular and well known phrase "This is London". Among many of his accomplishments, he is a symbol for broadcast journalism. His deep voice was/is well recognized among many people.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Three Story Pitches
1. Dear Editor,
Wine is something that many can enjoy. In the city of Pullman, Washington there is one place where people go to drink wine, The Old Post Office Wine Cellar and Gallery. With a variety of over a few hundred wines to choose from, this is not the only reason why this may be a popular place to drink.
The Old Post Office Wine Cellar and Gallery is a historic site in Pullman and in fact Pullman’s “Old Post Office”.
While living in Pullman I have taken notice of a lot of historic sites and buildings. This has become a great interest of mine and I would like to further the knowledge of Pullman’s citizens on the history of this particular building from the owner’s perspective as well as the employees.
Thank you for your time, I will contact you next week to follow up on your consideration of this article.
Sincerely,
Houston Hoole
2. Dear Editor,
If you are a pet owner, I know you feel the dismay when visiting any Humane Society. Every single time I enter an animal shelter I feel heart broken looking at each and every animal that does not have a home.
The Whitman County Humane Society is a “no-kill” shelter that has taken in many animals. One specific part of the shelter is the infamous “cat bus”, a retired school bus with a high number of cats living in it.
I would like to take the time to write about the shelter, as well as the cat bus, and certain reasons why many of these animals are neglected and homeless. Addressing these specific issues I hope to inspire the citizens of Pullman and surrounding areas to recognize the problem and possibly make a change.
Thank you for your time, I will contact you next week to follow up on your consideration of this article.
Sincerely,
Houston Hoole
3. Dear Editor,
As you know Pullman, Washington is a small town but is filled with many hungry college students.
With many big fast food names here, I would like to do a survey on the smaller non-chain places to eat.
With the survey I hope to compose a top five list of best places to eat in Pullman for the college student. I will talk about each place and what they have to offer such as the type of environment, food, and specific reasons why each made the list.
Thank you for your time, I will contact you next week to follow up on your consideration of this article.
Sincerely,
Houston Hoole
Wine is something that many can enjoy. In the city of Pullman, Washington there is one place where people go to drink wine, The Old Post Office Wine Cellar and Gallery. With a variety of over a few hundred wines to choose from, this is not the only reason why this may be a popular place to drink.
The Old Post Office Wine Cellar and Gallery is a historic site in Pullman and in fact Pullman’s “Old Post Office”.
While living in Pullman I have taken notice of a lot of historic sites and buildings. This has become a great interest of mine and I would like to further the knowledge of Pullman’s citizens on the history of this particular building from the owner’s perspective as well as the employees.
Thank you for your time, I will contact you next week to follow up on your consideration of this article.
Sincerely,
Houston Hoole
2. Dear Editor,
If you are a pet owner, I know you feel the dismay when visiting any Humane Society. Every single time I enter an animal shelter I feel heart broken looking at each and every animal that does not have a home.
The Whitman County Humane Society is a “no-kill” shelter that has taken in many animals. One specific part of the shelter is the infamous “cat bus”, a retired school bus with a high number of cats living in it.
I would like to take the time to write about the shelter, as well as the cat bus, and certain reasons why many of these animals are neglected and homeless. Addressing these specific issues I hope to inspire the citizens of Pullman and surrounding areas to recognize the problem and possibly make a change.
Thank you for your time, I will contact you next week to follow up on your consideration of this article.
Sincerely,
Houston Hoole
3. Dear Editor,
As you know Pullman, Washington is a small town but is filled with many hungry college students.
With many big fast food names here, I would like to do a survey on the smaller non-chain places to eat.
With the survey I hope to compose a top five list of best places to eat in Pullman for the college student. I will talk about each place and what they have to offer such as the type of environment, food, and specific reasons why each made the list.
Thank you for your time, I will contact you next week to follow up on your consideration of this article.
Sincerely,
Houston Hoole
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Compare & Contrast
The top story on FOXNews.com today was about the current election and the primary finish; Clinton won Indiana by just two percent and Obama won North Carolina by 14 points. Other stories that got prominent placement on FOXNews.com were a number of stories, some are in bold and some are just regular fonted links. Thus it's hard to tell which is more prominent. Going in order from the top to bottom, the next following story is about Myanmar and the Cyclone disaster that killed more than 22,000 in the U.N. The following story after the cyclone disaster was about Al Qaeda and an identified Iraq leader, Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, who is really Hamid Dawoud al-ZawiIraq. I believe this website is one of the more fair and balanced sites of the news web links. The sites primary audience is the general public looking for top news stories on the web.
The second news site I went to was Yahoo! News. I went to this site because I frequently see the top stories when I'm checking my Yahoo! mail. The top story on this web site was about the election and primary again; on Barack Obama winning North Carolina and Clinton winning Indiana. Right next to the link to this story was about seven related links to the elections and primary. To the right of these links was a side link and picture about Britney Spears and her status with visitation rights with her children. Stories under these two stories were following links about the Myanmar cyclone disaster. I would say that this website has a little more of an entertainment value rather than newsworthy value. Although they have some prominent news links about the elections and natural disasters going on, they also have side links about certain celebrities. Although some links may come first on this site, the fact that there are pictures provided with certain links, such as the Britney Spears story, made me want to click on those rather than read the stories. This sites primary audience is mainly Yahoo! Mail customers. I believe this site is a little less fair and balanced with the Murrow standards. I only read the stories on this site because they pop up when I'm checking my mail or else I wouldn't normally go to it to check current news.
The third website I reviewed was CNN.com. I reviewed this website because under google search it was the first link to pop up; it had the most hits for the search "news". The first prominent story on this site again was about the election and Clinton versus Obama. The following links after this story were more about the the election and related news. After the election links there was a section for "Popular News" and then following a section for "Latest News". Under "Popular News" there was a story about an American Idol. Under "Latest News" there were a few stories, the first being about how six fraternities were suspended for drugs. Although this site is more newsworthy than the Yahoo! Mail website, I believe it isn't as Newsworthy or fair as FOXNews.com. This site groups news into different sections; first by newsworthiness, then by popularity and finally then by the latest news. This sites primary audience again is the general public.
Which site would you read? Why? Out of the three sites I have listed, I normally read the less newsworthy site, Yahoo! News. However, I only read this site when checking my mail. If I am actually looking for current news I usually just look under google and which ever news site has the most hits, today that was CNN.com. Out of the three sites, I rarely ever go to FOXNews.com although it is the most newsworthy. I believe I don't go to this site as much as the others only because I look for quick, easy news. I am somewhat interested in what's going on, however I don't ever go out of my way to click on links specifically for news, only if they are provided on a site that I am already on to do another task, such as checking my mail.
The second news site I went to was Yahoo! News. I went to this site because I frequently see the top stories when I'm checking my Yahoo! mail. The top story on this web site was about the election and primary again; on Barack Obama winning North Carolina and Clinton winning Indiana. Right next to the link to this story was about seven related links to the elections and primary. To the right of these links was a side link and picture about Britney Spears and her status with visitation rights with her children. Stories under these two stories were following links about the Myanmar cyclone disaster. I would say that this website has a little more of an entertainment value rather than newsworthy value. Although they have some prominent news links about the elections and natural disasters going on, they also have side links about certain celebrities. Although some links may come first on this site, the fact that there are pictures provided with certain links, such as the Britney Spears story, made me want to click on those rather than read the stories. This sites primary audience is mainly Yahoo! Mail customers. I believe this site is a little less fair and balanced with the Murrow standards. I only read the stories on this site because they pop up when I'm checking my mail or else I wouldn't normally go to it to check current news.
The third website I reviewed was CNN.com. I reviewed this website because under google search it was the first link to pop up; it had the most hits for the search "news". The first prominent story on this site again was about the election and Clinton versus Obama. The following links after this story were more about the the election and related news. After the election links there was a section for "Popular News" and then following a section for "Latest News". Under "Popular News" there was a story about an American Idol. Under "Latest News" there were a few stories, the first being about how six fraternities were suspended for drugs. Although this site is more newsworthy than the Yahoo! Mail website, I believe it isn't as Newsworthy or fair as FOXNews.com. This site groups news into different sections; first by newsworthiness, then by popularity and finally then by the latest news. This sites primary audience again is the general public.
Which site would you read? Why? Out of the three sites I have listed, I normally read the less newsworthy site, Yahoo! News. However, I only read this site when checking my mail. If I am actually looking for current news I usually just look under google and which ever news site has the most hits, today that was CNN.com. Out of the three sites, I rarely ever go to FOXNews.com although it is the most newsworthy. I believe I don't go to this site as much as the others only because I look for quick, easy news. I am somewhat interested in what's going on, however I don't ever go out of my way to click on links specifically for news, only if they are provided on a site that I am already on to do another task, such as checking my mail.
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